You Won't Believe What Happens at This Shocking 5-Minute Flag-Raising Ceremony for Organ Donation!

Penn State Health recently marked National Donate Life Month with flag-raising ceremonies at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Holy Spirit Medical Center on April 9, 2026. This event, organized in collaboration with the Gift of Life Donor Program, aimed to honor organ donors and recipients, while raising awareness about the critical need for organ donation.

Among the speakers at the Hershey ceremony was Roberta Malinak, who shared the poignant story of her 16-year-old nephew, Ryan Lee Mohn, from Steelton. Following his tragic passing, Mohn became a hero, saving six lives through organ donation and impacting countless others as a tissue donor. “Out of tragedy, there is hope,” Malinak stated, emphasizing the significance of every aspect of organ donation.

Another powerful voice was that of Randy Merklinger, a 64-year-old resident of Lancaster County. He recounted his own journey as the 596th patient to receive a heart transplant at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Merklinger expressed deep gratitude to his donor’s family, stating, “You lost a loved one, but you gave a heart to another person to live their life […] with their family and their children. Without that donor, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Meanwhile, at Holy Spirit Medical Center, attendees listened to Priscilla Glusko, whose 23-year-old son, Anthony, tragically died in an accident. Her son’s decision to become an organ donor saved six lives. Glusko shared a moving account of her experience meeting the recipient of her son's heart, highlighting the profound impact of organ donation on families and communities.

April serves as a reminder of the critical need for organ donation across the United States. Currently, more than 103,000 people are awaiting organ transplants, and each day, 17 individuals lose their lives while waiting for a lifesaving gift. National Donate Life Month not only honors those who have given the gift of life through donation but also urges Americans to consider registering as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

For those interested in making a difference, registering as an organ donor is a simple yet impactful decision. Potential donors can visit the Penn State Health Donate Life website for more information on how to register.

This month serves as a powerful reminder that organ donation can transform lives, bringing hope and healing to those in need. The stories shared during these ceremonies resonate with many, emphasizing that from grief can arise profound acts of kindness and generosity.